Dollywood Makes Shift Toward Mask-Optional Outdoor Areas

Dollywood recently adjusted their safety protocols due to updated CDC guidelines on safe outdoor activities. The biggest adjustment was making mask-wearing optional within the park’s outdoor areas where social distancing can be maintained. However, masks are still mandatory at all ticketing areas, park entry, on rides and trams, in queues, all indoor areas and any places where guests cannot maintain six feet of distance outdoors.

The COVID-19 screening process has also been amended at Dollywood. Temperature checks will no longer be part of the screening process. However, before coming to the theme park, all employees and guests will still be required to fill out a self-assessment health screening. Learn more here.

UK Plans to Test Non-Distanced Music Festival With 5,000 People

People are eager to get back to "normal" after over a year of COVID-19 restrictions, but some activities will require some extra testing to make sure they're safe.

In the UK, music promoter Festival Republic, in collaboration with the British government and Culture Liverpool, will be testing out a non-social distanced, outdoor music festival at Sefton Park in Liverpool the beginning of May. With over 5,000 people expected to attend without requiring masks or distancing, the concert could provide crucial data about how much longer the world might have to go without big gatherings.

Ticket holders for the Sefton Park Pilot concert will be asked to observe mask and social distancing guidelines before arriving at the concert and submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test before entry and give contact details. Attendees will also need to take another COVID-19 rapid test after the concert as well in order to provide data to the Events Research Programme. Learn more.

Alaska Offers Vaccines to Boost Tourism

In an effort to boost visitors and help struggling businesses, the state of Alaska has rolled out a tourism aid package that includes a unique incentive—COVID-19 vaccines.

Alaska has been particularly devastated by the pandemic due to the continued delay from the CDC on approving cruises, so the state will happily vaccinate tourists arriving at one of its four major airports in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Ketchikan.

Tampa International Airport Debuts Online Parking System

Last year, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board of Directors approved a $2 price hike at its parking facilities. However, Tampa International Airport recently debuted a new booking system that offers discounted rates and contact-free payments. The system also allows travelers to book their parking online for up to a year ahead of their flights.

The airport expects this method of booking and paying for parking to play a role in helping passengers to feel comfortable when they choose to fly again. Allowing passengers to pay for parking up to a year ahead of flights also provides the airport a much needed influx of cash after a devastating year marked by the pandemic. Read more.

Springfield, MO Launches Initiative That Rewards Tourists

One year has passed since the pandemic shut down most travel, and cities have hurt from loosing millions of tourism related dollars over that year. In an attempt to boost tourism, Springfield, MO recently launched their “One Night On Us” initiative, a promotion that rewards people for visiting the city.

The city will pick up the bill for one of your nights in a hotel if you complete the following:

1. Book two nights in participating Springfield hotel.

2. Make a purchase at three participating Springfield attractions.

3. Make a purchase at three participating Springfield food & drink locations.

The pandemic devastated local hotels, attractions and restaurants as they rely on people traveling and gathering, both which were shut down most of last year. The Convention and Visitors Bureau in Springfield hopes that this promotion will revive those industries that were completely devastated by the pandemic.

Philadelphia Launches Economic Restoration Initiative

Ready.Set.Philly!—a year-long, collaborative initiative from the city of Philadelphia, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and a coalition of businesses and organizations—has recently launched with the aim to restore the area’s economic and cultural vibrancy by providing information that will encourage, support and promote safely brining people back to the city.

If workers and visitors don’t return to work and play, it will change the culture and economics of Philadelphia,” Mayor Jim Kenney said during a recent news conference. “As vaccines roll out and more and more people become protected against COVID-19, the closer the city gets to a post-pandemic reality. Philadelphia is ready to meet the short- and long-term goals to reset the city but we can’t do it alone. That’s why we’re excited to partner with the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce on Ready.Set.Philly!”

Ottumwa CVB Undergoes Rebranding

The Greater Ottumwa Convention & Visitors Bureau is now Meet Ottumwa. The rebranding is an effort to emphasize Ottumwa as a destination for groups and gatherings, including meetings, conferences, weddings, reunions and sporting events. The new tagline, “Where Iowa Meets the World,” is reflective of Ottumwa’s cultural diversity and is a mirror of where Ottumwa is today.

The rebranding comes with new logos and is supplemental to Meet Ottumwa’s marketing campaign, which included at YouTube advertising program and the Ottumwa All Starts Program. Success has already been seen from it, with several gatherings scheduled for this summer, including the Technology Association of Iowa, Midwest Cornhole League, Professional Developers of Iowa and the Babe Ruth 14-Year-Old World Series.

Are you interested in a brand refresh or total rebranding? Don’t make decisions without the data to back it up. Contact us today for more information.

Miami Heat Offers Special Viewing Section for Fully Vaccinated Fans

Miami Heat fans who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to sit in a special section for games beginning on April 1. The team told Associated Press this week that two sections of the lower bowl of the arena will be dedicated to these fans, where they can enjoy a game with more lenient precautions enforced. Vaccinated spectators who choose to be in those sections will have to show proof that their final vaccine was administered at least 14 days prior to the game they are attending.

As COVID-19 vaccinations continue to rollout, offering special discounts, promotions or experiences for fully vaccinated visitors could be a smart way to boost business.